| dc.description.abstract | The study aimed at assessing the status of safeguarding and preserving the documentary heritage in Uganda and its placement within the Memory of the World (Mow) Program. Its objectives were:
1. To assess the current state of documentary heritage in Uganda.
2. To review the existing laws/acts and policies which impact on the development of the documentary heritage.
3. To establish the scope of safeguarding and preserving the documentary heritage. 4. To develop a roadmap for the establishment of Mow Program as a strategy for
safeguarding Uganda's documentary heritage. Using the exploratory research design, data was purposively collected from selected people believed to be knowledgeable about the management of documentary heritage in Uganda. This started with a reconnaissance of the institutions that play a role in the documentation and preservation of the heritage. To assess the state of documentary heritage, focus was put on eight institutions, including the National Library of Uganda, the National Archives at Entebbe, the Uganda Museum, Makerere University Library, the Legal Deposit and Documentation Centre (Uganda Management Institute), Bank of Uganda Archives, the Department of Information and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). Interviews, observations, and document analysis were used to collect data characterized by physical visits made to ascertain what was in existence and their safeguards. A review of documents related to documentary heritage, including archives, museums and libraries was made. Documentary heritage dealt with included: records of art, facts of museums, books, archives and records in various formats, including text, digital and audiovisual formats (video, films and audio tapes), and documentaries on cultural heritage. The report is presented according to the main objectives and themes of the study.
The findings of the study indicate that there is a cross-section of institutions that are mandated
to keep and preserve documentary heritage in the country. However, it was clear from the study
that much of the collective memory of the people of Uganda was undocumented. This is at risk
of being lost if the necessary steps are not taken. This has inevitably limited the efforts and
ability to ascertain what is available in the country at any one time. It was also noted that there
are disjointed and uncoordinated policies regarding the preservation and coordination of
documentary heritage and uncoordinated documentary responsibility. The inadequate
infrastructure, practical and political barriers that exist within government hinder access of the
available documentary heritage among others.
It was, therefore, proposed that policy reform on the preservation of documentary heritage be made and an authority be established to e coordinate of documentary heritage in Uganda. Such an authority/forum/body would be responsible for setting standards as well as the coordination and promotion of documentary heritage in the country. That is why the Uganda National Commission (UNATCOM) is taking a lead in this as guided by the Memory of the World Program for promoting preservation and conservation of documentary heritage. This study thus calls upon all stakeholders to integrate the Mow activities to ensure the preservation and safeguarding of the documentary heritage of the country. | en_US |
